Welcome to resort land. That's how you feel when you step into the pool area at the Renaissance Esmeralda. Multiple pools, waterfalls, jacuzzis and birds fill the scenery. At the East end of the pool is the Charisma restaurant. We decided to use to our advantage the beautiful December weather in this part of the world and sit in their outdoor patio.
Charisma at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells

Canada: On Top of the World. Three DVD set including: Parks and Scenic Wonders,The Train Journey and Experience Canada

1. Parks & Scenic Wonders

Hundreds of hiking trails and canoe routes, 28 national parks, more than 600 provincial parks and scores of wildlife refuges and wilderness areas seek to preserve what remains of Canada's wild lands, and provide an opportunity to escape from the stresses of modern society.

Canada: On Top of the World

Bellini's is located in the trendy shopping street of El Paseo in Palm Desert, not far from Palm Springs. You will have to walk into a small courtyard to enter the restaurant and if you do not want to valet (like me) parking is in the back. We were pleasantly surprised by everything we saw and tasted at this wonderful Italian eatery.
Bellini's Ristorante in Palm Desert

It was a cold and snowy day and all through Toronto not a soul was to be seen. The Minus was chilling our bones and we looked for a place to warm ourselves, have a good meal and top it off with some mind involving conversation. We found just the place: The HotHouse Cafe in Toronto on Church Street.

HotHouse Cafe in Toronto

You are invited to vote for charities for the new time period: Jan-Feb 2005. Polling is located at the right side of every page. Charities included are: American Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, AmeriCares and Care USA. With the tsunami tragedy unravelling we felt that these charities were most adept to providing direct and fast aid.

Thank you everyone for voting for the charitable organization most dear to your heart in the Nov-Dec 2004 period. The Wildernes Society received most votes and the donation will be made to this organization. Organizations in running were: Natural Resources Defense Council, National Environmental Trust, The Nature Conservancy and The Wilderness Society.

Socks are not usually my idea of a subject for a love affair, but I love these socks. They are a bit pricey so I would not recommend them for everyday use but for intense hiking or keeping your feet warm while in the snow all day, these are perfect.

These socks rock : Ultimax Cool-Lite Hiker Socks

Enjoy Breathtaking Beauty at Every Turn in this 4 Disc Scenic Drives Collection - Disc 1: From Maine to Key West Cruise down the most scenic routes of the Eastern Seaboard, driving along Maines rocky coast, stopping to admire the views at Acadia National Park. Motor to charming Nantucket and then continue on to Cape Cod in its entire summer splendor. Admire the brilliant red and orange leaves common to autumn-kissed New England.
America's Most Scenic Drives

Peru is one of the most mysterious places in the world. Our crew traveled there to trace the origin of funeary pottery. This form of pottery was used exclusively for holding food, water and grain for the dead on their travel to the after-world. Potters in Peru have been using the same technique for more than 3000 years. We heard about one man who still used the old ways. We found him in an adobe house in the small desert plain town of Nazca, 800 miles south of Lima.
The Best of: Peru

Delzano's is a new restaurant located at the North end of the Redondo Pier. This is where the Happy Clam (not so great) used to be. I visited Delzano's with some friends on a rainy and cool Tuesday evening . This was not a night that many people in Southern California would find themselves going out.
Delzano's in Redondo Beach

The sun-drenched country of Portugal offers a rich cultural tapestry that stretches back for centuries. This helpful guide offers a comprehensive look at the delights in store for any travellers, from the capital city Lisbon, to the wine-producing Douro valley. Other notable sights include bullfighting, the Church of Bones, the beaches of the Algarve, and a whole lot more!
Globe Trekker: Portugal & the Azores

This restaurant is what one might call a fast fish grill. Modest interior, completely open view of kitchen and numerous ceiling fans are the first things I noticed. A very basic interior indeed. Prices are lower than in other Southern California fish eateries. Food is very good. Mahi Mahi was well prepared (grilled). Fish tacos were tasty.
California Fish Grill in Gardena

DeLorme's Street Atlas USA 2005 brings you address-to-address routing on detailed street maps of the entire U.S., plus all the information and tools to easily customize, use, and print quality maps and directions.

Street Atlas USA 2005 combines the depth of map information and ease of use you need for great vacation planning, work traveling, or just finding places around your town. All data has been updated for the new edition.

DeLorme's Street Atlas USA 2005

Chart House is a chain of restaurants located throughout the US. The Redondo Beach restaurant makes you feel like you are on the sand on the beach. Ask for the table right next to the water facing North for the best experience and view.
Chart House in Redondo Beach

This restaurant definitely gets my personal recommendedation. The location is great, you can watch careless revelers at the immense Mandalay Bay pools and imagine that you are somewhere far from the desert.
Border Grill at the Mandalay Bay